Building system using plastic bottle caps

ABSTRACT

The building system using plastic bottle caps includes at least one interlocking building block having a substantially elongated base. An upstanding cap mounting boss extends from the top of the boss, and a cap mounting recess is formed coaxial with the cap mounting boss at the bottom of the base. The cap mounting boss permits threaded mounting of a bottle cap, and the cap mounting recess permits each interlocking building block to be stacked on top of another bottle cap, especially a bottle cap mounted to another cap mounting boss of another interlocking building block. A connection hole is formed adjacent to the cap mounting recess to permit the base to be looped onto the cap mounting post of another building block in horizontal orientation. A plurality of building blocks and bottle caps can be connected together to construct a user-defined structure. The building system includes various embodiments for construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to toys, and more particularly to a building system using a block member and a plastic bottle cap that can be connected to other block members and bottle caps to form a structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Toys are wonderful devices that serve to occupy one's attention for long periods of time. They appeal to both the young and old, and they mainly serve to entertain and exercise one's imagination through various interactions therewith. Other toys also serve as educational tools that help exercise one's creativity and problem solving skills.

Some examples of the latter include LEGO® bricks or blocks and Tinkertoy® building sets, LEGO® being a trademark of LEGO Group based in Billund, Denmark and Tinkertoy® being a trademark of Hasbro based in Pawtucket, R.I. Both include a variety of components such as interlocking bricks of various sizes and shapes, rods, and perforated disks for the user to piece together into various structures ranging from simple to complex. Apart from some physical limitations, financial burden, and availability of the necessary parts, the possible structures one can build is limited by the user's imagination. While the creative potential with these types of toys are great, some can be rather expensive; thus unaffordable to some.

These toys remain popular even in current times. However, there does not appear to be a similar toy that conscientiously employs recycling practices to make use of recyclable materials and build something therefrom. Currently, tons of plastics are discarded annually with relatively a small percentage being recovered for recycling purposes. That amounts to a relatively large quantity of material not being utilized in some manner, especially plastic bottle caps. Recycling may require additional processes to effectively recover the resin of plastics from the original form in order to convert the same into something useful, which adds to overall costs. In that light, it would be more cost effective to reuse the original form of the discarded plastic for another purpose, e.g., a type of toy.

Thus, a building system using plastic bottle caps solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The building system using plastic bottle caps includes at least one interlocking building block having a substantially elongated base. An upstanding cap mounting boss extends from the top of the boss, and a cap mounting recess is formed coaxial with the cap mounting boss at the bottom of the base. The cap mounting boss permits threaded mounting of a bottle cap, and the cap mounting recess permits each interlocking building block to be stacked on top of another bottle cap, especially a bottle cap mounted to another cap mounting boss of another interlocking building block. A connection hole is formed adjacent to the cap mounting recess to permit the base to be looped onto the cap mounting post of another building block in horizontal orientation. A plurality of building blocks and bottle caps can be connected together to construct a user-defined structure. The building system includes various embodiments for construction.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a building system using plastic bottle caps according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an interlocking building block for the building system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the interlocking building block shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a plurality of interlocking building blocks arranged in a horizontal row according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of another embodiment of a building system using plastic bottle caps according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the interlocking building block shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a building system using plastic bottle caps according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the interlocking building block shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a building system using plastic bottle caps according to the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the interlocking building block shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an accessory for a building system according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The building system, in an embodiment of which is generally referred to by the reference number 10, provides at least one interlocking building block with connecting and mounting features for plastic bottle caps in order to create an integral unit that can be attached to other similar units. The use of plastic bottle caps, as a component in the unit, contributes to recycling efforts and an economical method of making an entertaining, creative and educational object or toy.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the building system 10 includes an at least one substantially elongated interlocking building block 11 having a substantially elongated base 12. The interlocking building block 11 can also be referred to as an “interlocking link.” The base 12 can be configured as a generally oval oblong shape, and separated into a first base section 14, and a second base section 16 by a stepped ridge 18, formed therebetween. As shown, the stepped ridge 18 generally extends from the second base section 16 to the top of the first base section 14.

Each respective base sections 14, 16 include at least one mounting or connecting feature for a bottle cap 26. Regarding the first base section 14, a cap mounting boss or post 20 protrudes generally upward from the top of the first base section 14. The cap mounting boss 20 has a substantially hollow, cylindrical post configuration with threads 21 formed generally around the outer surface thereof. The threads 21 enable selective, threaded mounting or operative connection to the inner threads of the bottle cap 26. An opening 22 forms a hollow interior of the cap mounting boss 20, and extends through the first base section 14. This configuration can reduce the amount of material needed to make the building system 10. Further, the bottom of the cap mounting boss 20 can be closed to increase structural strength. In an embodiment of the building system 100, a closed bottom can be provided with perforations or openings formed therein to minimize weight and material requirements.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the bottom of the first base section 14 can include a substantially hollow, circular cap mounting recess 24. The cap mounting recess 24 enables the first base section 14 to be selectively connected to the top of another bottle cap 26 to facilitate configuration of the building system 10. The cap mounting recess 24 can provide a plurality of teeth or corrugations 25, formed along the inner circumferential surface, to securely mount the first base section 14 to another bottle cap 26. The corrugations 25 are configured for engagement with the corrugations 27 on the outer surface of bottle caps 26. As such, the mated engagement between the corrugations 25 of the cap mounting recess 24, and the corrugations 27 on the another bottle cap 26, can provide a secure connection. Further, the secure connection can be maintained in any desired relative angular position between the bottle cap 26 and the cap mounting recess 24.

It is also contemplated that the cap mounting recess 24 can be provided with inner threads (not shown) in order to accommodate bottle caps having exterior threads. However, this type of bottle cap is not as common as those bottle caps with outer corrugations, especially those made in plastic. Moreover, the range of relative angular positioning of the interlocking block 11 may be diminished due to potential irregularities in thread pitch.

The second base section 16 is configured as a connection ring to facilitate operative connection of one interlocking building block 11 to another adjacent interlocking building block 11. As such, the second base section 16 includes a connection opening or hole 17 defined thereon, forming a loop or ring. As shown in FIG. 3, the second base section 16 is configured to be positioned, or looped over a cap mounting boss 20 of an adjacent interlocking building block 11 via the connection hole 17, and secured thereon by another bottle cap 26. As shown, for example, three interlocking building blocks 11 can be connected to each other via the corresponding second base section 16 in a generally horizontal configuration. When connected in this manner, it is desirable that the generally horizontal configuration remains level so that the resultant structure provides a row having generally uniform height that can be stacked on top of each other.

To facilitate stacking, the second base section 16 extends generally from the top of the first base section 14. Notably, the second base 16 has a generally thin configuration, in comparison to the thickness of the first base section 14. As such, the space provided below the second base section 16 is sufficient in height to accommodate the thickness of the attached first base section 14 from the adjacent interlocking building block 11. Further, the second base section 16 has a generally thin configuration that provides a secure connection, without impacting the overall height of the row of connected interlocking building blocks 11 when secured by corresponding bottle caps 26.

Thus, the building system 10 can include at least one interlocking building block 11 and/or bottle cap 26 combinations. It is contemplated that the user for purposes of recycling will be motivated to collect the plastic bottle caps 26 to be used in building the structure. This also provides an economic benefit in that the user's costs will be limited to purchases of one or more interlocking building blocks 11. It is further contemplated that the building system 10 can be packaged to include bottle caps 26 in, e.g., a kit, the kit being comprised of at least one interlocking block 11 and/or at least one plastic bottle cap 26. Moreover, the kit can also include any of the other embodiments described herein and combinations thereof.

It is noted that plastic bottle caps 26 are generally provided in standard sizes. Consequently, a majority of the interlocking building blocks 11 can be constructed to accommodate and fit most common sized plastic bottle caps 26. The interlocking building blocks 11 can also be sized or configured to accommodate and fit less common sized plastic bottle caps 26.

The above configuration of the interlocking building blocks 11 provides a versatile unit that can be arranged in numerous configurations. For example, rows of interlocking building blocks 11 can be arranged and/or stacked in straight horizontal rows forming a wall for the desired structure, e.g., walls for a miniature building or house. Additionally, the manner in which adjacent interlocking blocks 11 are connected to each other and the stacking ability thereof enables the user to construct curved structures. For example, a starting interlocking building block 11 can be connected to the second base section 16 of an adjacent interlocking building block 11 at an angle. Additionally, the starting interlocking building block 11 can be stacked on top of another interlocking building block 11 at another angle where the stacked cap mounting bosses 20 serve to define the axis of angular orientation. Thus, the numerous, user-defined angular orientations provide the user with a vast array of possibilities in building the desired structure. In line with this capability, the elongated base 12 has a generally oval oblong configuration. The rounded or curved opposing ends result in a member that will not interfere with angular positioning with respect to each other. In converse, a rectangular oblong configuration with perpendicular, relatively sharp corners, can potentially abut against an adjacent cap mounting post 20, or a flat end 19 on the first base section 14, in an interfering manner. However, the elongated base 12 can be constructed with different shaped ends, such as the mentioned rectangular oblong, and other geometric shapes as long as they avoid or minimize potential interference when attempting to angularly position an interlocking building block 11 onto another interlocking building block 11, e.g., by providing a wide enough gap through select dimensioning of the first and second base sections 14, 16.

In an embodiment of a building system shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the building system 100 includes an interlocking building block 111 configured to be detachably mounted to a plastic bottle B. Generally, the interlocking building block 111 includes substantially the same features as the previously described interlocking building block 11, such as an elongated base 112 having a first base section 114, and a second base section 116, a cap mounting post 120 extending generally upward from the top of the first base section 114, a connection opening or hole 117 formed in the second base section 116, and a cap mounting recess 124 disposed at the bottom of the first base section 114.

The interlocking building block 111 also includes a detachable mounting ring 130. The mounting ring 130 is configured as a split ring, which facilitates secure mounting of the interlocking building block 111 around the neck of the bottle B and subsequent removal thereof. The mounting ring 130 is attached to the interlocking building block 111 by a living hinge 132 at the end of a connecting strip 131. The thin living hinge 132 has a relatively thin configuration, however, is desirably strong enough to allow the interlocking building block 111 to hang from the neck of the bottle B and also enable easy removal of the mounting ring 130 from the interlocking building block 111 with minimal physical effort. The mounting ring 130 serves as a temporary or semi-permanent connector for the interlocking building block 111. As such, only the interlocking building block 111 remains after removal of the mounting ring 130. In an exemplary variation to the above described features, a plurality of interlocking building blocks 111 can be connected to a single mounting ring 130. In another variation, the building system 100 can be provided in combination with a bottle cap 126.

The above building system 100 enables gifting or promotion of the building system 100 in a suggestive form. After the bottle B has been used, the user can use the bottle cap 126 in the same manner as the previously described building system 10 to create and build any desired structure. Moreover, this configuration incentivizes users to collect a plurality of interlocking building blocks 111 for a desired project. It is to be further noted that the building system 100 can be attached to various other objects via the mounting ring 130. While a bottle B is an appropriate object due to the inherent suggestion to use the bottle cap 126 thereon, the mounting ring 130 also enables attachment to other objects that can support the weight of the building system 100.

In an embodiment of a building system shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the building system 200 includes at least one interlocking building block 211 having a base 212 of uniform thickness, i.e. the first base section and the second base section have substantially similar dimensions. As shown one or more upstanding cap mounting bosses 220 extend generally upward from the top of the base 212. Further, each cap mounting boss 220 is substantially similar to the cap mounting boss 20, illustrated in FIG. 2. As such, each boss 220 includes threads 221 for selective threaded mounting of a bottle cap 26 and an opening 222 extending through the base 212. As shown, a pair of hollow, circular cap mounting recesses 224 is formed at the bottom of the base 212, each being coaxial with the opening 222. Each cap mounting recess 224 is desirably provided with corrugations 225 or teeth formed along on the inner circumferential surface to securely mount the base 212 on top of one or more bottle caps 26. Some examples for using the building system 200 can include, but are not limited to, a starting block member, a finishing block member, or a connecting block member for the previously described embodiments. Additionally, the building system 200 can be used in the same manner as the building system 10 for construction purposes without the necessity of utilizing the connection ring configuration for interlocking engagement with other interlocking building blocks 211.

In an embodiment of a building system shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the building system 300 provides additional connection features compared to the building system 10. Notably, the building system 300 functions in a substantially similar mariner to that of building system 10.

As shown, the building system 300 includes at least one substantially elongated interlocking building block 311 having a substantially elongated base 312. The base 312 has a generally L-shaped or angled configuration, and is divided into a first base section 314 and at least a pair of second base sections 316 a, 316 b by a respective stepped ridge 318 a, 318 b. Each ridge 318 a, 318 b is formed by the respective second base section 316 a, 316 b extending generally from the top of the first base section 314. An upstanding cap mounting bosses 320 extends upwardly from the top of the base 312. Each cap mounting boss 320 is substantially the same as the cap mounting boss 20 and includes threads 321. In this exemplary embodiment, each second base section 316 a, 316 b extend in orthogonal directions with respect to each other. The bottom of the first base section 314 also includes a circular cap mounting recess 324 to enable the building system 300 to be stacked or mounted on top of a bottle cap 26. A plurality of corrugations 325 are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the cap mounting recess 324 to facilitate secure mounting onto the top of bottle caps 26.

By the above construction of the interlocking building block 311, the building system 300 provides at least one member for constructing angled, especially right angled, features in a structure, e.g., perpendicular walls, corners, and the like. Similar to the building system 200, the building system 300 can be used alone or in conjunction with any of the embodiments described herein. In one variant to the above, the interlocking building block 311 can be provided with additional second base sections extending in perpendicular or other angular directions.

FIG. 8 discloses an embodiment of a building system 400 in the form of an elongated connector base 412. In the embodiment, the connector base 412 is configured as an extended second base, similar to the previously described embodiments. Further the connector base 412 has a similar extending length as the base 12, base 112, or base 212. As shown, the connector base 412 includes a pair of spaced base sections 416 a, 416 b, each having a respective connection opening or hole formed thereon 417 a, 417 b. Thus, both ends of the connector base 412 is configured to be positioned or looped over a respective cap mounting boss 20, 120, 220, 320 during use.

The building system 400 may be configured more as an accessory or secondary building block rather than a standalone construction unit since the connector base 412 cannot be securely stacked on top of each other or horizontally interconnected to build a stable structure without being used in conjunction or combination with one or more of the cap mounting bosses 20, 120, 220, 320 or similar bosses. Thus, in one example, the building system 400 can be used in conjunction with the building system 10 in order to extend a line of construction in a desired direction. Instead of a direct connection to an adjacent interlocking building block 11, the extended second base section 416 can be used to indirectly connect a pair of interlocking building blocks 11 together via their respective cap mounting bosses 20. A similar type of indirect connection can be made with between pair of interlocking building blocks 311 in the building system 300 via the respective cap mounting bosses 320.

It is to be noted that the building system 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 encompasses a variety of alternatives. For example, the components of the building systems 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 can be constructed from plastic, especially plastic safe for use and interaction by children. The components can also be constructed from other materials such as wood, metal, composites and combinations thereof. Moreover, the interlocking building blocks 11, 111, 211, 311, 411 can be provided in various colors and/or with indicia. Furthermore, a kit can be provided to include at least one of the above building systems 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 for user purchase or collection.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps, comprising: a substantially elongated base, the base having a top and bottom; at least one cap mounting boss extending upwardly from the top of said elongated base, the at least one cap mounting boss adapted for selectively mounting a plastic bottle cap thereon; at least one cap mounting recess formed on the bottom of the base and coaxial with the at least one cap mounting boss, the at least one cap mounting recess adapted for selectively and securely receiving another plastic bottle cap therein when stacked on top of the another plastic bottle cap; and a connection hole formed on the base adjacent the at least one cap mounting post, the connection hole configured to be looped over a cap mounting boss of another interlocking building block.
 2. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, wherein said substantially elongated base comprises: a first base section, the first base section having a top, bottom, and a thickness; and at least one second base section extending from the top of the first base section, the at least one second base section having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first base section, said at least one cap mounting boss extending from the top of the first base section, said cap mounting recess being formed on the bottom of the first base section, said connection hole being formed on each at least one second base section.
 3. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 2, wherein said at least one second base section comprises at least one pair of second base sections, each second base section extending from the top of said first base section in orthogonal directions with respect to each other.
 4. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cap mounting boss comprises threads to engage inner threads of the bottle cap.
 5. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cap mounting boss comprises a throughbore extending through said elongated base.
 6. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, wherein said cap mounting recess comprises a plurality of corrugations formed on an inner, circumferential surface thereof, the plurality of corrugations configured to mate with corresponding corrugations on the another plastic bottle cap in order to securely engage and hold said interlocking building block when stacked on top of the another bottle cap.
 7. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable mounting ring removably attached to a side of said substantially elongated base, the detachable mounting ring having a gap to ease installation of the detachable mounting ring around a neck of a bottle; an elongated connecting strip extending towards said substantially elongated base; and a living hinge connecting the connecting strip with said substantially elongated base, the living hinge permitting selective removal of the detachable mounting ring by the user.
 8. The interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps according to claim 1, further comprising a connector base having at least a pair of spaced connection holes, each connection hole being adapted for connection to said at least one cap mounting boss on said interlocking building block or another interlocking building block in order to provide indirection connection options for the user.
 9. A kit for building user-defined structures comprising: at least one interlocking building block using plastic bottle caps, each at least one interlocking building block comprising; a substantially elongated base, the base having a top and bottom; at least one cap mounting boss extending upwardly from the top of said elongated base, the at least one cap mounting boss adapted for selectively mounting a plastic bottle cap thereon; at least one cap mounting recess formed on the bottom of the base and coaxial with the at least one cap mounting boss, the at least one cap mounting recess adapted to for selectively and securely receiving another plastic bottle cap therein when stacked on top of the another plastic bottle cap; and a connection hole formed on the base adjacent the at least one cap mounting post, the connection hole configured to be looped over a cap mounting boss of another interlocking building block.
 10. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, wherein said substantially elongated base comprises: a first base section, the first base section having a top, bottom, and a thickness; and at least one second base section extending from the top of the first base section, the at least one second base section having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first base section, said at least one cap mounting boss extending from the top of the first base section, said cap mounting recess being formed on the bottom of the first base section, said connection hole being formed on each at least one second base section.
 11. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 10, wherein said at least one second base section comprises at least one pair of second base sections, each second base section extending from the top of said first base section in orthogonal directions with respect to each other.
 12. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, wherein said at least one cap mounting boss comprises threads to engage inner threads of the bottle cap.
 13. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, wherein said at least one cap mounting boss comprises a throughbore extending through said elongated base.
 14. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, wherein said cap mounting recess comprises a plurality of corrugations formed on an inner, circumferential surface thereof, the plurality of corrugations configured to mate with corresponding corrugations on the another plastic bottle cap in order to securely engage and hold said interlocking building block when stacked on top of the another bottle cap.
 15. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, further comprising a detachable mounting ring removably attached to a side of said substantially elongated base, the detachable mounting ring having a gap to ease installation of the detachable mounting ring around a neck of a bottle; an elongated connecting strip extending towards said substantially elongated base; and a living hinge connecting the connecting strip with said substantially elongated base, the living hinge permitting selective removal of the detachable mounting ring by the user.
 16. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, further comprising a connector base having at least a pair of spaced connection holes, each connection hole being adapted for connection to said at least one cap mounting boss on said interlocking building block or another interlocking building block in order to provide indirection connection options for the user.
 17. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, further comprising: at least one another interlocking building block, each at least one another interlocking building block comprising; a substantially elongated base, the base having a top and bottom; at least one pair of spaced cap mounting bosses extending upwardly from the top of the elongated base, each cap mounting boss adapted for selectively mounting one of a pair of plastic bottle caps thereon; and at least one pair of cap mounting recesses formed on the bottom of the base and coaxial with the at least one pair of cap mounting bosses, each cap mounting recess adapted for selectively and securely receiving one of another pair of plastic bottle caps therein when stacked on top of the another pair of plastic bottle caps.
 18. The kit for building user-defined structures according to claim 9, wherein said at least one interlocking building block comprises a plurality of interlocking building blocks. 